Climates and associated factors for evidence-based practice implementation among nurses: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe organizational climate that fosters and supports the implementation of evidence is a key factor influencing the effective implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP). Nurses, being the largest group of medical staff, play a crucial role in EBP implementation. The perception of the climate for EBP implementation among nurses in their organizations is unknown, especially among Chinese nurses.AimsTo clarify the implementation climate of EBP among Chinese nurses and identify the factors associated with the implementation and development of evidence-based nursing practices.MethodsThis study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design. From March 2023 to April 2023, a sample of nurses (n = 1260) from two Tertiary care hospitals in central China were selected and surveyed by self-designed social-demographic questionnaire and Implementation Climate Scale. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of implementation climate.ResultsThe nurses achieved a mean ICS score of 59.10 +/- 11.22, with mean scores exceeding 3 points for each sub-dimension and item. In the results of multiple linear regression, income satisfaction, implementation of evidence-based nursing practice project(s) within the unit, experience of evidence-based nursing practice during working life, and specific training or courses in evidence-based nursing practice were predictors of ICS. Of these, income satisfaction was the most significant predictor. These factors could explain 17.5% of the total variance in implementation climate.ConclusionThe climate for implementing EBP in Chinese nursing organizations was relatively strong. Nursing managers can enhance the climate for implementing EBP in their organizations by actively improving salary and enhancing EBP-related trainings and practices.Relevance to clinical practiceUnderstanding nurses' perceptions of the EBP implementation climate in their organizations can help to identify specific barriers and facilitators to the development of EBP and facilitate its successful implementation.Patient or public contributionClinical nurses were involved in data collection and completed the questionnaires on EBP implementation climate. The number of studies on the organization and implementation climate of evidence-based nursing practice is limited, especially in China.According to the results of this study, nurses exhibited a positive perception and recognition of the organized EBP implementation climate.Income satisfaction, implementation of evidence-based nursing practice project(s) within the unit, experience of evidence-based nursing practice during the working life and specific training or courses undertaken in evidence-based nursing practice were factors of nurses' perception of implementation climate.Organizational managers should actively provide comprehensive resource support to enhance the implementation climate of evidence-based nursing practice.